Refugee day - 20th of June
This week we will be observing Refugee Day. In 2001 the United Nations decided that refugees should have a special day and announced the 20 June as World Refugee Day. It is an opportunity for everyone to experience, understand and celebrate the rich diversity of refugees. In the UK, Refugee Week takes place every year around World Refugee Day. According to the UNHCR currently at least 108.4 million people around the world have been forced to flee their homes. Among them are 35.3 million refugees, many of whom are under the age of 18. There are also millions of stateless people, who have been denied a nationality and lack access to basic rights such as education, health care, employment, and freedom of movement. The news of the sinking of the fishing boat in Greece, thought to be travelling from Libya to Italy with many migrants and refugees on board, reminds us how important it is that we address the struggles of people who are forced to flee their homes. No one chooses to leave their home to be a refugee, unless there is no other option. People must be tremendously resilient and determined in the face of unimaginable trauma and adversity, in order to seek refuge with hope. Despite the challenges they face, refugees bring with them cultural heritage, skills, and talents that enrich the host society. Today, and every day, we aspire to provide therapeutic services to people coming to the Refugee Therapy Centre for help. We hope you will join us in any way you can, standing with us in solidarity, and supporting us to provide much needed assistance to refugees from around the world. Refugees who come to us for therapeutic support need to find peace and the opportunity to resettle in a new safe environment. At the Refugee Therapy Centre every one of us gives attention, listens carefully with full respect and acceptance. Do join us in this vitally important work.
Rt Hon Jeremy Corbyn MP